Characteristics of E-region background ionosphere and plasma waves measured over the dip equator during total solar eclipse campaign

A unique set of rocket flight measurements of plasma parameters from the dip equator (Thumba; 8.5°N, 76.5°E, dip 0.5°S) was carried out at two obscuration levels (40% and 72%) on a total solar eclipse day (16 February 1980) which was also under a moderately disturbed geomagnetic condition. The path of totality was 400km north of Thumba. Another rocket flight was conducted on 17 February 1980 to obtain the control day measurement at the same local time. As expected, the electron densities are found to be less throughout the measured altitude region on a solar eclipse day with the 72% obscuration level compared to the control day at the same local time (same solar zenith angle). In the presence of average electron density scale length of 10 and 9km in the altitude region of 88–100km, the initiation of the gradient drift waves is observed at altitudes of 91 and 93km during 40% and 72% obscuration levels respectively on a solar eclipse day. However, on a control day, in the presence of average electron density scale length of 9km, these waves are found at altitude as low as 88km. In addition, the amplitude of the gradient drift waves is found to be the largest during the 72% obscuration level compared to those during the 40% obscuration level and control day. In the absence of electric field measurements, the magnetometer observations are used to infer an increase in the polarization electric field when the obscuration level is around 72%. This along with steeper gradient can account for the increase in the amplitude of gradient drift waves during 72% obscuration compared to 40% obscuration. The relative role of the growth and decay of the gradient drift waves is discussed in the context of these observations. •in situ E-region measurements from dip equator during solar eclipse.•Disappearance of plasma waves at lower altitudes with increase in obscuration.•Increase in vertical electric field at E-region during eclipse.